Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta – A Quick and Flavorful Dinner
If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that the whole family will love, then Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melted cheese to create a satisfying and filling meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a great go-to.
Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
For the Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Onion (diced)
- 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 can (14 oz) Diced Tomatoes
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz Penne or Rotini Pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- Water (for boiling)
- 1 tsp Salt (for the pasta water)
For the Cheesy Sauce:
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp or mild)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tbsp Butter
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped Fresh Parsley
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set aside, saving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring well.
- Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the cream cheese and cook, stirring, until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring until fully combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the saucepan.
- Stir continuously until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine the Beef, Pasta, and Cheese Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the ground beef mixture.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over the pasta and beef, tossing to coat evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Stir everything together until the pasta is coated in cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your cheesy, hearty, and comforting dinner!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the texture of your sauce.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to spice things up.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth instead of pasta water for a creamier texture.
- Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Variations of Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
- Cheesy Taco Pasta: Add taco seasoning and serve with sour cream and salsa.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based option.
- Baked Cheesy Beef Pasta: After mixing the beef, pasta, and cheese sauce, top with extra cheese and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
What to Serve with Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
Pair this cheesy pasta with:
- Garlic Bread for a perfect side to soak up the extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad for some crunch and freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
- Steamed Green Beans for a simple and healthy side.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze the pasta in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion: A Perfect Weeknight Meal
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—quick to prepare, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. It’s a family-friendly recipe that can be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike, and it’s perfect for meal prep, as it tastes just as good the next day.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a delightful, satisfying dinner that will make everyone come back for seconds!
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
This cheesy ground beef pasta is a delicious and comforting one-pot dish with savory ground beef, pasta, marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners!
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Pot for cooking pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater (for cheese)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper or to taste
- ½ cup water if needed
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Step 3: Add the Aromatics and Sauce
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes to the pan. Stir to combine.
- If the sauce is too thick, add ½ cup of water to reach your desired consistency. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Cheese
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir until well coated.
- Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and bubbly.
- Let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes for everything to come together.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve the cheesy ground beef pasta hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs (like basil or parsley), if desired.
Video
Notes
✔ Use lean ground beef for a healthier version, or swap for ground turkey or chicken.
✔ For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
✔ Add veggies – bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
✔ Bake it for a crispy top – After mixing in the cheese, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
✔ For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
✔ Add veggies – bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
✔ Bake it for a crispy top – After mixing in the cheese, transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
